Juanita M. Fabian

Juanita M. Fabian,100, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025. Juanita was born on June 11, 1925, in Dayton, Ohio to Joseph and Alma (Stachler) Hammen. When she was in middle school, the family relocated to Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Through her cousins, Juanita met Robert Fabian, the youngsters spent their lunch hours getting to know each other. Soon they were dating. In 1943, Juanita graduated from Catholic Central High School. With WWII underway, Bob enlisted in the Navy, and Juanita took an office job. As soon as Bob returned from overseas, the high school sweethearts were united in marriage on June 29, 1946. Growing up in a traditional Catholic home, as their family grew, Juanita instilled the same faith in them.

In 1961, the family would move to Grand Rapids, and Juanita was quick to find a new church home at St. Jude Catholic Church. She enjoyed giving back to her church and over her 63 years as an active member, Juanita served as the Eucharistic Minister coordinator, a strong advocate for building campaigns and technology integration in the school, was a Sacristan, money counter from tithing, and was on the funeral lunch committee. Her longest and most cherished role was her tenure as the lead for the Server Robe Community. She remained steadfast in this role until her health prevented her from continuing. Her time and talents earned her the St. Jude Volunteer Award in 2020.

Juanita enjoyed working, and over the years she would work part-time jobs. She was a talented seamstress with a passion for creating clothing, curtains, and crafts. She had an entire room dedicated to her passion. In her younger years, she participated on several bowling leagues in the area. In the summer and fall, Juanita and Bob worked as a team. Bob grew vegetables, and Juanita canned them for enjoyment later.

Dedicated to her family, Juanita was a feisty and determined woman, traits that can be attributed to her long and full life. She will be remembered for her deep faith, homemade pies and generosity of time and talents.

Juanita is survived by her children: Alice (Michael) Crenshaw, Bob (Melody) Fabian and Arlene (Daniel) Cool; her grandchildren: Tim (Lisa) Crenshaw, Amber (DeWayne) Daman, Amy Derry, John (Laura) Fabian, Alyssa (Matt) Hromika, Allison (Chris) Adkins, Bart Cool and Andrew (Lisa) Cool; 12 great-grandchildren; her brother Leroy Hammen and her sister Geri Herber as well as many other relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday October 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations in memory of Juanita may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.